Life At Its Best: Connections that determine destinations

By By Jim Graff
April 13, 2012 at midnightUpdated April 12, 2012 at 11:13 p.m.

Many people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else believed in them. This has certainly been true in my own life. Growing up, I had a dad who was dedicated to bringing the best out of me.

I remember being in high school, training to pursue a college career as a baseball player. During those years, I spent countless hours on the field, watching and learning as my dad taught me what it would take to play at the next level. It wasn't always easy.

In fact, there were times when I wondered if all my work would even be worth it. But thankfully, I had a mentor who saw potential in me and wouldn't let me stop until that potential was reached.

We all need mentors like that in our lives. Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

When you see someone living with the outcomes you want to see in your own life, stick with them. Watch and imitate the actions that led to their success. Allow God to use that connection to help you reach His desired destination for your life.

In 2 Kings 2, we see the benefits of having great mentors, as shown through the life of a man named Elijah. Elijah was known as the greatest prophet of his time. In his final years, he began mentoring a younger man named Elisha. Elisha went everywhere with Elijah, determined to discover the cause of his mentor's success.

A few years into this mentorship, God informed Elijah that his time on earth was nearing its end. He also informed him that instead of dying a normal death, he would be taken to Heaven "in a whirlwind." So, Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken up.

Elisha, having seen the great miracles done through his mentor, replied, "Give me a double portion of your spirit." Elijah responded saying, "It might be a difficult thing; but if you can see me when I'm taken up, you'll receive a double portion." The prophet was letting Elisha know that getting to his desired destination would take work.

The Apostle Paul was Timothy's mentor in both life and ministry. Paul exhorted him in I Timothy 4:15, "Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all." Great mentors open our eyes to what it takes to achieve success.

And sometimes, that can be a bit painful. But let's not allow the difficulty to breed a negative attitude; instead let's allow the pain to produce growth that leads to progress in our lives.

Who do you see that's flourishing in an area you want to grow in? I encourage you to stick with them. Learn from their lives and allow that connection to lead you into a new and greater future.

Jim Graff is the Senior Pastor of Faith Family Church in Victoria. faithfamilyvictoria.com.